The Philadelphia Flyers have signed 6-2, 196-lb goaltender Ray Emery to a free-agent contract, according to general manager Paul Holmgren.

Emery, 30 (9/28/1982), makes a return to the Flyers after previously playing for the club during the 2009-10 season. Emery is coming off his first career Stanley Cup championship with the Chicago Blackhawks, with whom he has spent the last two seasons. In 2012-13, Emery went 17-1-0 in 21 regular-season appearances, posting a 1.94 GAA and a .922 save percentage.

And while he liked it in Chicago, Emery, 30, wanted a shot to start again. So, he decided to give Philadelphia another shot.

“It’s been a crazy couple of days,” Emery said. “I’m excited that [Philadelphia] became an option. The first time I was really pumped about it, but it didn’t work out the way I wanted it, so I’m excited to be back.”

Emery isn’t guaranteed the No. 1 job with the Flyers, with whom he signed a one-year deal worth $1.65 million. He will be part of a tandem with Steve Mason. Both guys have one year left, and will compete for the starting job – which should make both goalies better.

However, it’s a chance to win a job and to get more playing time, and that’s all Emery was hoping for.

“[Chicago was] a situation where Cory has one year left… and he’s going to make five or six million for the next little while and I felt the writing was on the wall for myself,” Emery said. “In Philly, it’s a new situation and a place where I could play more games.”

Emery has also mellowed out as his career has moved on, and now that he’s a veteran he has a whole different approach to goaltending then he did when he was a fiery youngster with the Ottawa Senators.

A source close to the Hawks confirmed for me earlier this evening what is now all over Twitter, that Ray Emery will likely sign with the Flyers tomorrow.

I am not claiming to break this one—it's kind of old news—just confirming with a source close to the Hawks that it appears Emery will go to UFA tomorrow and sign with the Flyers.

I'm told the departure of goaltending coach Stephane Waite (Montreal) had some bearing on the decision.

One would think the Flyers are promising Emery 50+ games next year (if his hip can handle it). And good for Ray—as good guy and a warrior who can still play.

Hawk fans don't need to freak out about this one. While many assume Antti Raanta will play in Rockford next season, this guy has all the credentials and experience necessary to be a backup in the NHL. Or maybe the Hawks will bring in a veteran on a 1 year deal. Either way, Corey Crawford was going to be the main guy anyway.

The loss of Emery wiil likely be felt more in dressing room leadership. However, again, this is a room that doesn't lack for leadership.

But also, until the pen hits the paper, we don't know for sure what's going to happen either.